Sugar Grove Talks Sense about Premature Farmland Annexation

The Village of Sugar Grove has recently published an open letter that outlines what can happen when farmland is prematurely annexed into our communities. Sugar Grove makes a strong case that the premature annexation of farmland is a dangerous practice that will likely result in the substantial loss of millions of dollars of impact and transition fees. Sugar Grove also correctly predicts the loss of municipal control that these premature farmland annexations will forfeit to future development interests.

The Village of Sugar Grove argues effectively that the annexation of large tracts of undeveloped land will likely have the opposite effect than the intended one. That is, instead of controlling growth, premature annexations may actually make the annexing community "incredibly vulnerable" to the very growth they seek to avoid.

I wanted you to see this letter, because it is an important document, one that definitely deserves to be read with careful consideration:

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Reasoned Growth. An Open Letter from the Village of Sugar Grove.

The Village of Sugar Grove has always supported orderly and reasoned growth of local communities. Recently the Village of Big Rock filed in court a petition to annex about 7,800 acres of land. This effort seeks to annex over 12 square miles to Big Rock, a town of a little over 2 square miles and approximately 750 citizens. It includes the forced annexation of approximately one-half of the area or around 4,000 acres. It will be one of the largest single annexations in Illinois history. Unfortunately this action will have adverse impact on the Village of Big Rock, its residents, the surrounding communities and all the other jurisdictions that serve the Village of Big Rock and surrounding communities (i.e. Schools, Fire Protection Districts, etc). One must question the reason for taking this step and two possible reasons have been suggested: controlling growth and limiting the Village of Sugar Grove’s development.

If the reason is to control growth, the proposed annexation will not have the desired effect. In Illinois, no developer can forcibly annex its property to a Village. This simple rule grants Village’s great power, the power to negotiate the terms of a properties annexation into a Village. If a Village forgoes this power and annexes property without negotiating terms, that Village loses all of that power. Once annexed, a developer is free to develop its property as it sees fit, subject only to the ordinances of the Village. The Village, in effect gives up the following powers, among others:

The power to say no is lost. Without annexation, developers cannot reasonably develop their property. Once annexed, developers can, in fact, build more easily.

The power to negotiate impact fees and require transition fees is lost.

The power to limit building permits per year is lost.

The power to truly control density of developments is largely lost.

The power to control many land use changes is largely lost.

The power to require the developer to put in more that the bare minimum of public improvements is lost.

The power to preserve more than the bare minimum of open space is lost.

In fact, the proposed annexation may a have the opposite effect and actually spur uncontrolled growth in the areas being annexed and surrounding areas.

The solution is not to annex large swaths of land without agreements, but to enter into boundary line agreements with neighboring communities. By doing so, communities get the best of both worlds: knowledge that property on its side of the border will not go to another community while still having the power to say no to development by refusing to annex the property. The Village of Sugar Grove has offered previously to negotiate a boundary line agreement with the Village of Big Rock and stands ready to negotiate such a boundary line agreement now.

If the reason for this annexation is to limit Sugar Grove’s development, this too is misunderstood and misguided. The Village of Sugar Grove only seeks orderly and controlled development. Sugar Grove has not annexed any property in Big Rock Township or entertained a formal annexation request from any property owner in Big Rock Township in over 10 years. Sugar Grove has a long history of working positively with our neighbors to promote well planned, controlled growth that respects the natural environment and supports local schools and government agencies as evidenced by:

Sugar Grove has boundary agreements with five of our neighboring communities and continues proactive efforts to reach agreements with Batavia, Big Rock, Elburn and Kaneville should it incorporate. Sugar Grove won a joint cooperation award for our work with Kane County on our Comprehensive Planning efforts. Sugar Grove made significant changes to our 2005 Comprehensive Plan in response to the input of the Kaneville community. Sugar Grove jointly planned our transportation network with Yorkville, Montgomery and Kane County for the benefit of the region. Sugar Grove was the driving force behind the implementation of capital impact fees for the Kaneland School District and was the first area municipality to collect transition fees for School, Park, Library, Township and Fire Districts. Sugar Grove has a standard requirement of 40% Open Space for residential development. Sugar Grove establishes annual permit limits for each residential development.

As stated above, when a community is on the defensive, and annexes property prematurely, all people are negatively affected. All of the taxpayers and the taxing bodies that count on annexation fees to pay for growth are affected. In Big Rock’s case of annexing approximately 7,800 acres, using a density of just one home per every 1.5 acres and the current Sugar Grove annexation fee schedule, this annexation could cost the Village of Big Rock, Hinckley Big Rock School District, Big Rock Park District and the Hinckley Fire Protection District well over $50,000,000 dollars in lost fees.

The solution is to negotiate a boundary agreement. If a boundary agreement cannot be negotiated, then letting each individual property owner decide which community they wish to be a part of is the best course of action. With so many property owners signing the Big Rock petition, Big Rock should feel comfortable with this approach. In the mean time, Sugar Grove will continue to responsibly plan for the future.

Signed, VOSG

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The Village of Elburn and the Village of Lily Lake are dealing with a parallel situation regarding an incorporation proposal originating in Campton Township. Only the "Preserve Campton" proposal is three times the Big Rock request seeking to annex a whopping 36 square miles of Kane County.

Just imagine, the Village of Elburn has been in existence since 1881, and our total incorporated boundaries today are only an approximate 2.5 square miles.

I would like to suggest that our community leaders in western Kane County take a deep breath, and try to calm down. We are beginning to make bad decisions, solely because we are afraid of our neighbors. There are many of solutions available to us. As the Village of Sugar Grove concludes in their open letter, continuing to negotiate boundary agreements is one of those solutions.

Unfortunately, the premature annexation of farmland is a less than desirable solution to controlling growth that our children and grandchildren will not think was very smart.

NIPC Readies 2040 Regional Plan

The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) is making final edits to its 2040 Regional Framework Plan. The unveiling of the "Common Ground" blueprint for regional action is set for Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 10:15 am on the 99th floor of the Sears Tower.

A single elegant statement best describes this regional planning process. "Northeastern Illinois will be a region of livable communities, built on the diversity of its people, known for its healthy natural environment, global competiveness, and governed collaboratively."

Managing land use and transportation issues here in Northeastern Illinois is a daunting challenge. In order to master that challenge, we must share a common vision for the future.

As mayors and elected public officials it is easy to say, "You take care of your town, and we'll take care of ours." But the stark reality is that we must do better than that. We must learn to think in the best interests of our region, as we act in the best interests of our communities.

When you look at the NIPC map, you will notice that everything in white is projected to be fully developed by 2040. There is precious little farmland and open space left in the Chicagland region to enjoy by then. Knowing what lies ahead, in terms of dealing with the rapid development headed our way, is a truly concerning part of the regional plan.

Our own Kane County Regional Plan seeks to preserve 50 percent of Kane County in agriculture and open space through 2030. This will not happen unless we all work together with a shared commitment to control growth in western Kane County.

We in Elburn are doing our best to plan and build a compact interconnected community centered around an existing downtown and future Metra station. We are also attempting to contain future development by building first within the natural creek and wetland buffers that surround our community. We seek to preserve farmland and open space by considering transit oriented densities around our future train station. And, we also plan for a variety and mix of housing units in Elburn, so our residents and families can live their entire life cycle right here, if they so choose.

Elburn's future is bright, but there is much to do. The NIPC planning document is a non-binding framework plan. It sets a high standard of what our shared planning efforts could accomplish. Hopefully, others will join us as we continue to apply thoughtful local action to achieve a regional vision.

Drew Davis Band Rocks Our Parade

Did you hear the Drew Davis Band at this year's Elburn Days Parade? People said these guys were good. But, wow! They are incredible! What a special treat to have Jason Hawks and his country rocking buddies here at Elburn Days. It won't be long, and these young men will be way, way, way too "big" for little old Elburn Days. And, you can even see their stage act tomorrow night at 5:00 pm at Elburn Lions Park. It's free, I tells ya! Y'all come down, ya hear!

There are two words to describe this year's Elburn Days parade, hot and humid! In spite of the sweaty weather, a great time was had by all.

Our friends at the Union Pacific sent only two perpendicular freight parades through our event this year. I have to admit, all things considered, that was a tolerable amount of interruption. To the extent that the UP did reduce their Friday night traffic, we recognize and appreciate their consideration.

The float winners for this year are: First Place, Old Second Kane County Bank, $300; Second Place, Elburn Lion's Leo Club, $200; and Third Place, Hair Directors, $100.

Did you notice our own Planning Commissioner Sue Filek giving a real haircut on the Hair Directors float? Not too close around those ears, Sue! Ouch!

Thanks to everyone who helped, participated, and enjoyed the Elburn Days Parade. I've been working on this event since 1979. Each year my wife says that's enough, and each year with a lot of generous help we figure a way to do one more.

As a member of the Fifth Army Band, and as band director at Batavia High School, my Dad marched in countless "spit and polish" parades. The honor of his memory keeps me working on this parade. I'm sure he's smiling tonight.

Let's Walk Across Illinois!

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has a great idea! During the next 12 months he would like to challenge all of us to "Walk Across Illinois." The challenge presented on his website is to walk 167 miles, which is the equivalent of walking from Rock Island to the Chicago lakefront.

It's not a hard as it sounds. At three miles per hour, walking just a little more than one hour per week will accomplish the goal. And, there are alternative conversion factors available for those who would prefer to do some form of exercise other than walking.

On Monday night, the Elburn village board will be discussing becoming an official partner with the "Walk Across Illinois" program. This past year we have been emphasizing sidewalk repair and replacement in Elburn, and this program should be a natural for us to encourage and support.

Some of you, like my neighbor Dennis, will have the 167 miles knocked down by Novermber. But, the rest of us "slowpokes" have a whole year to get this done. The goal is to walk 167 miles, but the destination is really better health. Like any journey, it all starts with just one step.

Lt. Governor Quinn's website is at WalkAcrossIllinois.org. Check it out, sign up and let's get walking. I'm just glad he didn't set the route from Hebron to Cairo.

President Bush Connects

There was a moment last Wednesday when I felt like President Bush was looking right at me. Here's the shot. It's probably just an illusion a person feels when a speaker that you are really concentrating on scans the audience with his eyes. Then again, he might have been thinking to himself, who are those two goofy looking guys wearing the "Dubya" hats?

People can make fun of the President when he slips on a pronunciation, but you can't deny that he makes connections with a live audience. President Bush radiates a personal warmth and a casual assuredness when you hear him speak in person. I suspect that sometimes the bright light intensity of television can make a leader appear less sincere than he really is.

I'm glad I had the chance to see President Bush, and to just listen to the man speak. His tempo, his timing, his tenor, his tone, and yes, even his "Blagojevich" flub were perfect for the occasion. They were more than enough for me.

Double Dubyas

Merita Nickels, wife of retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice John Nickels, snapped this picture of Jeff Metcalf and me at yesterday's TEA-LU bill signing at Caterpillar. The only reason I got to go was because of Jeff. He kept working the phones until he came up with two tickets for a couple of "Dubya and Denny" supporters from Elburn.

Jeff even supplied the ball caps for us to wear. These are the same ones that he brought home from his trip to see President Bush's inauguration early this year in Washington, DC. Jeff says it was slightly warmer waiting to see President Bush in August, rather than in January. I bet it was, because yesterday was darn hot!

Jeff is a successful entrepreneur, a staunch conservative, and does a super job as trustee on our Elburn village board. Thanks Jeff for letting me tag along. It truly was a great day for the future of transportation in America and for Elburn.

And a Very Nice Visit It Was

President Bush said that Speaker Hastert graduated in the top 55 in his high school class. That was in a class of 55 students. Speaker Hastert took the light-hearted ribbing in stride. All joking aside, I suspect that Speaker Hastert is just very glad to see this TEA-LU bill finally passed and signed.

President Bush said that "more Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history." He also said that "our economy depends on us having the most efficient, reliable transportation system in the world."

The Federal transportation bill should help modernize roads, improve our quality of life, put more Americans to work, and help save lives.

So, let's go build some roads! And, a future Anderson Road overpass here in Elburn should be possible now, as well.

Mineta Responsible for Transportation Billions

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta came to Elburn several years ago. He told me that he was a mayor once, and being mayor was the hardest job he ever had. That was a special moment that I will never forget. And, Norm Mineta is one very special public servant.

You Knew Senator Lauzen Would Be There!

No one works a crowd like our very own Illinois State Senator Lauzen. Chris is the hardest working politician I have had the pleasure of meeting. He knows everyone. And, he'll call you back, too.

I bet Chris and his wife Sarah will be at our Elburn Days Parade next week. Be sure to say "Hello," and shake his hand. He's a true friend to Elburn.

Mayor Daley Comes to the Suburbs

Even Mayor Daley made a trip out to the suburbs to see President Bush sign the TEA-LU bill. President Bush called Mayor Daley a "great mayor of a great city." That was a really classy remark and well-deserved.

Senator Obama Is All Smiles.

Another notable to attend today's Federal TEA bill signing was Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama was obviously happy with the additional transportation investment this bill will bring to Illinois.

Illinois Governor Visits Caterpillar

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was also on hand today visiting with folks at the transportation bill signing at Caterpillar. I've got to hand it to him. He does have the nicest hair of all the politicians I photographed.

President Waves to Crowd at Caterpillar

President Bush waves to the crowd after signing the historic TEA-LU transportation bill near Montgomery. Speaker Hastert remarked at the signing that the "President understood the importance of this bill, and he also understood the importance of keeping within a budget. That is leadership, and that is what we have come to expect from this President."

Marine One Fly Over

President Bush reviews the crowd of approximately 6000 people eagerly awaiting his visit at the Caterpillar plant this morning near Montgomery. The primary Presidential helicopter is the Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King).

President Bush Drops in for TEA

President George W. Bush visited the Fox Valley today to sign the 6-year $286.5 billion TEA-LU transportation bill. Somewhere included in the finest fine print of that bill is $7.6 million for a future Anderson Road overpass in Elburn. This bridge once constructed will help us improve Metra commuter access and address important life safety issues in our community.

I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert for his unwavering support of the future of Elburn. Speaker Hastert has supported the Anderson Road overpass from the very first day we dropped a concept map off at his office. For that, we are extremely grateful.

I'll post more pictures later, but I wanted to get this one uploaded for Elburn bloggers as soon as possible.

Sidewalk to the Sky

Sometimes a photograph can surprise you. This is a picture taken up one side of the U. S. Navy Memorial at the Vicksburg National Battlefield. The Navy obelisk is 202 feet tall and dedicated to the Union campaign to reopen the Mississippi River in 1863.

But, I think this shot has an unintended surreal quality to it. I think it looks like a sidewalk to the sky.

Next Monday night, the Elburn village board will be deciding whether or not to go to bid with another $100,000 of sidewalk replacement and repair. If we can make that decision quick enough, it might be possible to get the additional work done this fall, instead of waiting until next spring.

Maybe the trustees will take this picture as a sign to move ahead quickly with the bids. Then again, maybe they will just think it just looks like a tall stack of bricks. We'll find out soon enough.

Either way, I am confident they will choose the right path for our community.